A MAN who repeatedly knocked on often vulnerable strangers doors and asked for money has been jailed for 40 weeks.

Blackburn magistrates heard Tanveer Ahmed had an extensive record for similar matters and had been made subject to a criminal behaviour order which banned him from approaching residential properties and asking for money.

But he returned to old ways despite the order and despite being subject to post-sentence supervision following his last prison sentence imposed in 2018.

Ahmed, 46, of Montague Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud, breach of a criminal behaviour order and failing to comply with post-sentence supervision.

He was jailed for 40 weeks and ordered to pay £250 compensation on release.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said there had been numerous incidents in January but only two had been charged.

She said not all of the victims were vulnerable or elderly but many were.

“He effectively knocks on people’s doors in the early hours of the morning and asks for money,” said Mrs Mann.

“He makes up stories about his car breaking down or needing money for petrol to get home. Some people give him the £10 or £15 he is asking for, others don’t.”

Mrs Mann detailed incidents where Ahmed had knocked on strangers' doors at 12.30am, 4am and 5am.

On another occasion a man helping his uncle, who has dementia, saw Ahmed at the door. His uncle gave him £10. Shortly after the man was at his mum’s house when the same man knocked on her door. He sent Ahmed on his way and called the police.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had been back in the community for eight months and appeared to have done well while on prison licence.

“The catalyst for these latest offences came around Christmas time when he was offered illegal substances,” said Mr Price.

“At first he said no but over time his resistance wavered and once he had started using drugs again he spiralled very quickly downwards.”

Mr Price said his client was adamant he was not targeting elderly or vulnerable victims.

“He recognises that a custodial sentence is inevitable,” said Mr Price.

Imposing an immediate jail sentence, District Judge James Clark said whether Ahmed targeted his victims or not the fact was vulnerable people were the victims.

“They were disturbed in their own homes in the early hours of the morning."